Business coalition formed to support Casino at East Greenbush

EAST GREENBUSH >> The Business Coalition for The Casino at East Greenbush Thursday announced that it has formed to support Saratoga Casino and Raceway and Churchill Downs Incorporated’s plan to build a resort casino in East Greenbush.

The group, which includes businesses from across the Capital Region, issued a statement that reports the coalition “came together to highlight the casino’s potential to increase local tourism, grow local business by boosting the economy with 1,700 new permanent jobs, and provide local businesses with strong partnership opportunities.”

Scott Bendett, owner of Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe, said, “As a local small business, I know The Casino at East Greenbush would increase foot traffic to both of our shops. This kind of project doesn’t come around very often, and it has real potential to boost local businesses like mine.”

Added David Gordon, co-president of The Gordon Companies, “As a local business with divisions in East Greenbush, North Greenbush, Troy, Albany and throughout the Capital Region, we’re excited about the opportunity for growth and increased economic activity The Casino at East Greenbush would bring. The Capital Region business community stands to greatly benefit from this proposed project.”

“We’re thrilled to have the support of local businesses and look forward to working closely with them,” said Rita Cox, senior vice president of marketing and external affairs at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “The Casino at East Greenbush would provide regional businesses with incredible partnerships, millions of new potential customers, and great promotional opportunities. We want nothing more than to operate in a bustling and thriving community, and are excited to help build just that.”

In the coming days and weeks, additional businesses are expected to join the coalition.

The Casino at East Greenbush is an approximately $300 million proposal that will create approximately 1,700 construction jobs, 1,700 permanent jobs with benefits and thousands of additional jobs in the community and region. It will also help to keep taxes low and support local needs with $24.1 million annually for the Capital Region, in addition to $5.7 million annually for both the Town of East Greenbush and Rensselaer County.

Located on East Greenbush’s Thompson Hill, the casino will feature gaming, dining and entertainment options, including a 300-room resort style hotel, dining options, multiple entertainment venues and 20,000 square feet of high-end retail.

For more information about The Casino at East Greenbush visit www.CasinoAtEastGreenbush.com